Education

  • MPH West Virginia University 2014
  • PhD University of Kentucky 2003
  • MA Purdue University 2000
  • BA Purdue University 1997

Academic interests

Dr. Brann explores the integration of health, interpersonal, and gendered communication. Primary research interests focus on the study of ethical issues in health communication contexts and promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, Dr. Brann seeks to understand communicative negotiations regarding women’s health issues, the many facets of patient confidentiality in health care communication, promotion of preventive screenings and physical activity, safety education, gender constructions, and family relationships. Theoretically, Dr. Brann researches communication at both the micro and macro levels. She studies how communication influences the aforementioned areas in relationships among individuals and with the social world. Methodologically, her research questions guide the specific data-gathering techniques employed and include interviews, focus groups, observations, and surveys.

Teaching

Health Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Qualitative Research Methods, Family Communication, Gender Communication, Relational Communication

Awards

Central States Communication Association Federation Prize

University Center for Teaching and Learning Curriculum Enhancement Grant

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research Release Time for Research (RTR) grant

School of Liberal Arts Summer Research grant

Diverse Researchers with InVestigative Expertise (DRIVE) grant 

Honorable Mention, NIOSH Intervention Evaluation Contest, National Occupational Injury Research Symposium

Top Paper, Applied Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Philadelphia, PA, 2015

Top Paper, Nonverbal Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Providence, RI, 2014

Top Four Paper, Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association, Washington, D.C., 2013

Eberly College of Arts & Science Outstanding Teacher Nominee, West Virginia University, 2013

Recognized as one of the most prolific scholars (top 1%) in Communication Studies, 2007-2011

Top Four Paper, Applied Communication Division, National Communication Association, San Diego, CA, 2010

Top Paper, Interpersonal Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Baltimore, MD, 2010

Top Paper, Instructional/Developmental Communication Division, International Communication Association, Montreal, Canada, 2008

Top Four Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Minneapolis, MN, 2007

Top Four Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Indianapolis, IN, 2006

Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association Rookie Advisor of the Year Nominee, 2005

Top Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH, 2004

Top Paper, Health Communication Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH, 2004

Publications

Brann, M. (2015). Contemporary Case Studies in Health Communication: Theoretical & Applied Approaches (2nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

More than 50 publications in communication and health journals and books (see CV).

Service

NCA Seminar Series Planner, 2016

Research Advisory Committee, School of Liberal Arts, 2015-

Chapter Advisor, Global Medical Brigades at IUPUI, 2015-

CSCA Interpersonal Communication Interest Group Chair, 2014

Editorial Board Member, Communication Education, Communication Studies, Southern Communication Journal, Communication Research Reports